Nestled cozily in the foothills of the lofty Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a mesmerizing concoction of natural beauty and manmade marvels. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit, no matter what excites you as a tourist. For instance, if good food is always on your mind, Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer, once you are soaking in its gorgeous sights. Also, on your next trip, make sure to try its mouth-watering array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Although traditional food of himachal pradesh is an interesting mix of Punjabi and Tibetan dishes, with lentils, pulses, rice and red meat constituting most of the delicacies here. Altogether cooked with the choicest of spices and to perfection, the dishes are aromatic and appetizing.
Traditional Food of Himachal Pradesh:
1. Dhaam:
Packed with flavours and nutrients, dhaam is a complete meal. It is more like what you call ‘thali’ in some states in India. The dish is composed of a spicy curry of red kidney beans, fried dal, aromatic rice, boor ki kadi, curd, sweets, salad and some jaggery. This wholesome and delicious cuisine of Himachal Pradesh by locals on festivals, marriages and other important occasions. What’s more, the restaurants in Himachal have special chefs called botis who prepare the most flavourful dhaam for customers. So, when you are in Himachal Pradesh next, make sure you try this scrumptious meal at least once.
2. Madra:
Another delicacy in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, madra or chana madra is a special dish that showcases the state’s unique food culture. Basically it is prepared with soaked chickpeas or vegetables, with a range of spices like cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder and turmeric powder, adding a rich flavor to it. Visit any restaurant in Himachal and you can find this lip-smacking dish there. Yes, it’s that popular! Like dhaam, this famous food of Himachal Pradesh by locals during festivals and other special occasions.
3. Aktori:
Besides prepared with buckwheat leaves, aktori is a special type of cake or pancake relished by the people of Himachal Pradesh. But this yummy dish originated from the beautiful Spiti Valley and a delicacy all over the state. To prepare aktori, buckwheat leaves in wheat flour with some other ingredients like milk, water, sugar and baking soda. Easy to prepare and palatable, aktori is a popular festival food and one of the best cuisines of Himachal Pradesh. Top it with ghee or honey and it will taste even better.
4. Khaale Chane ka Ghaata:
Consequently prepared with boiled black chickpeas, kaale channe ka khatta is a sour and spicy delicacy native to the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. Contrarily the dish is prepared by boiling black chickpeas and then cooking them in a variety of spices, such as cumin seeds, asafetida, fennel seeds, coriander powder, mint powder, and salt. Conversely green chilies, tamarind, and wheat flour or rice flour to the dish for better flavor and consistency. This traditional food of Himachal Pradesh with madra by locals.
5. Tibetan Thukpa:
Despite Himachal is home to many Tibetan Buddhists with a strong Tibetan influence in the northern part of the state. Hence, you will find a range of delectable Tibetan dishes in the eateries dotting Himachal Pradesh. Tibetan thukpa is one such delicacy that is a must-try for connoisseurs. It is basically a noodle soup which can be prepared with or without meat. Earlier the vegetarian option has many fresh vegetables, like carrots, onions, tomatoes and cabbage along with boiled noodles. Non-vegetarian thukpa with vegetables as well as chicken or meat. Equally ginger-garlic paste, chillies and sauces enhance the flavor of this amazing noodle soup and make it a must-try.
6. Chicken Anardhana:
Especially a favorite among chicken lovers, chicken anardana is one of the most popular non-vegetarian foods in Himachal Pradesh. Eventually the dish is prepared by marinating chicken pieces in dried pomegranate seeds powder, spices, yoghurt and ginger-garlic paste. The marinated pieces in a rich gravy made with onions, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, fresh pomegranate and other ingredients. This delectable pahadi dish made with aromatic spices is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
7. Aloo Palda:
A famous food of Himachal Pradesh, aloo palda is one such delicacy that every foodie will vouch for. To make some delicious aloo palda, soft-boiled potatoes in a thick gravy of either yoghurt or buttermilk. The dish with ginger-garlic pastes and some spices like cloves, cinnamon, coriander powder and chilli powder. Aloo palda tastes best with makki ki roti and rice. Try it once and you will surely come back for more.
Traditional Sweets of Himachal Pradesh:
1. Patande:
Himachal has its own pancakes. Patande in the Sirmaur district of Himachal. It from wheat flour, sugar and milk. This dough into pancakes into a pan. It for breakfast. To pair with it one can have jam, syrup. Traditionally, it with honey or ghee.
2. Babroo:
This is a kind of Kachori but sweet. It has the shape of a kachori. Wheat flour, then that fermented dough into discs or kachori shape.
3. Mittha:
When you find yourself craving something sweet, a bowl of mittha is all that you need. Mittha is a popular sweet dish made with sweetened rice, saffron, raisins and dry fruits. The people in Himachal usually make this scrumptious sweet dish to celebrate special occasions and ceremonies. It is easily available throughout Himachal Pradesh, so you can easily relish some whenever you get a chance.
4. Meetha Kaddu:
Meetha Kaddu/Sweet pumpkin is a dish made for marriages and festivals. Jaggery sugar into small pieces and melted, it to the sautéed pumpkin pieces. The pumpkin pieces in ghee. For adding flavour, all the dry fruits and later mixed with the pumpkin. It can as it is or served as a side dish to rice.
Street Food of Himachal Pradesh:
1. Khatta:
A drool-worthy combination of sliced pumpkin, heaped spoonsful of dry mango powder and sprinkled deep fried boondi, this Pahadi delicacy is a best-seller as it brings out all the rich flavours in one bite! Served with either roti or rice, this gravy will surely not disappoint those who love gorging on tangy food.
2. Sidu:
Counted among the most-loved traditional foods of Himachal Pradesh, siddu is a must-have for anyone visiting the state. It is basically a local bun with a special filling. Siddu is prepared with a dough of wheat flour and yeast that with fat before cooking. The way it is what makes it more special and delectable. The dough on direct flame and roasted for a while. The same dough until fully cooked. to keep the taste and nutrients intact. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
3. Kullu Trout:
If you enjoy eating fish, this non-vegetarian delicacy is a must-try in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu trout fish is prepared in a special way by marinating the fish and cooking it with minimum spices to retain the taste and nutrients of trout. The fish in mustard oil and topped with a light lemon-onion sauce for that additional flavour. Most eateries serve this famous food of Himachal Pradesh with boiled vegetables and rice, making it a perfect and wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
4. Bhey:
A literal translation of ‘In the lap of Himalayas’, Bhey from stir-fried lotus stems soaked in gram flour and sprinkled with the best of spices like ginger-garlic paste. Found in Dhaba’s as a side-dish in heavy meals, it is an easy-to-cook quick-to-eat street food that is popular in Manali.
5. Thudkiya Bath:
This is yet another traditional food of Himachal Pradesh that the locals cook in a unique way. Tudkiya bath contains a long list of ingredients, such as ghee, lentils, yoghurt, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves and spices, and is quite wholesome and appetising. If you love trying different types of rice dishes, this one is a must-have. Although native to Chamba, tudkiya bath in many eateries across the state.
6. Channa Madra:
Originating from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Channa Madra has quickly made its way into the street food map of Himachal Pradesh owing to its experimental but lip-smacking taste. A yogurt gravy brought to taste with chickpeas, tamarind and cloves, this protein infused street food snack will sustain your tourists for all their journeys.
7. Chha Ghost:
Tourists that to the low temperatures of Manali, have a lot to look forward to in the piping hot Chha Gosht, which is gram-flour-soaked mutton marinated in curd and spices. For a complete meal, you can serve Chha Gosht with rice. An easy to prepare street food, its fragrant flavours give one the impression of a rich and royal meal. Hence, it is something a meat lover would never dream of missing once they land in Himachal Pradesh.
